Ames · Story County, IA
Cheap things to do in Ames
Scout analyzed 49 Ames places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.
Places analyzed
49
Matches
24
Typical spend
—
Typical visit
1.3 hr
Scout-verified spots
Outdoors
Bandshell Park
Long-running city park with a large bandstand, picnic area, playground & public restrooms.
Outdoors
Moore Memorial Park
Large city park with big shelters with electrical outlets for private events, grills & a bike path.
Food & Drink
Alluvial Brewing Company
Nightlife
Della Viti
Outdoors
Brookside Park
Recreational green space featuring volleyball & tennis courts, ball fields & a wading pool.
Outdoors
Iowa Arboretum & Gardens
This 348-acre reserve has self-guided woodland trails with scenic overlooks, deep ravines & streams.
Outdoors
Reiman Gardens
14-acre park featuring seasonal flowerbeds, a butterfly exhibit, sculptures, tours, lectures & more.
Food & Drink
The Mucky Duck Pub
Cozy roadhouse with British grub & English-style old ale, plus imported groceries & outdoor seating.
Food & Drink
Roni's Mac Bar - Ames
Food & Drink
Cabin Coffee Co.
Small chain providing house-roasted coffees & espresso along with bagels, pastries & sandwiches.
Food & Drink
Aunt Maude's
Genteel setting for locally sourced, modern American cuisine paired with wines from a sizable list.
Food & Drink
El Azteca
Modest restaurant offering familiar Mexican dishes such as tacos & chili rellenos, plus a bar area.
Food & Drink
Boulder Tap House
Outdoors
North River Valley Park
Public park offering rental picnic pavilions, BBQ grills, horseshoes pits & sand volleyball courts.
Food & Drink
Clayton Farms Salads
Campustown
Tosca
Laid-back coffeehouse open late & featuring espresso, crepes & light cafe fare, plus patio seating.
Outdoors
Ada Hayden Heritage Park
Park with a fishing lake, hiking & biking trails, picnic shelter & wetlands for bird-watching.
Food & Drink
Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill
Classic Irish pub featuring woody, old-world decor, craft beers, a traditional menu & a patio.
Outdoors
McFarland Park
Food & Drink
Hickory Park
Long-standing family-owned eatery serving up house-smoked barbecue in a spacious setting.
Food & Drink
Cafe Diem
Campustown
Cafe Beaudelaire
Convivial, late-night eatery with a bar serving Brazilian & global meals, plus cocktails & coffee.
Food & Drink
Morning Bell Coffee Roasters
Somerset
The Cafe
Smart yet unpretentious cafe featuring eclectic farm-to-table fare & a boutique bar.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in Ames
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Make it a night out
Staying over in Ames?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Ames — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
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